Legendary Beechcraft King Air Now Even More Capable with Launch of New C90GTx

via PRNewswire On Jul 28, 2009

OSHKOSH, Wis., July 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) today announced the launch of the new Beechcraft King Air C90GTx -- the latest advancement for the most successful turbine aircraft in general aviation today. The new C90GTx features impressive enhancements to both payload and performance while remaining one of the greenest and most efficient aircraft available. The C90GTx marks the eighth major King Air upgrade the company has introduced since 2003.

"The C90GTx is the latest example of our commitment to keeping the Beechcraft King Air family the most successful turboprop lineup in aviation history," said Bill Boisture, HBC Chairman and CEO. "We took an outstanding product, the C90GTi, and made it even better in the new C90GTx. No other aircraft in its class can compare."

Key enhancements to the new King Air C90GTx include an increase in gross weight and the addition of composite winglets, which improve climb performance and further increase fuel efficiency. The maximum ramp weight and maximum takeoff weight of the C90GTx have been increased by 385 pounds to 10,545 and 10,485 pounds respectively. This increase in maximum weight provides the new C90GTx with a full-fuel payload capability of more than 750 pounds -- almost double that of the C90GTi and ahead of any entry-level jet. The ability to carry more fuel with higher payloads increases the four passenger range by more than 200 nm. The C90GTx will be available beginning in early 2010.

The King Air 90 entered into service more than 45 years ago and is known for its reliability, durability and affordability. The aircraft series has long been the entry point into larger aircraft, serving as the first step into cabin-class comfort and twin-turbine capability, safety and performance.

Before its latest enhancements, the C90GTi series aircraft already included an advanced, fully-integrated Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21(TM) avionics suite, which features advanced capabilities not found in other, entry-level turbine avionics systems. This same system can be found in larger aircraft, including the King Air B200GT, King Air 350, Premier IA, Hawker 750 and Hawker 900XP, as well as in jets costing millions more. The C90GTx will include upgraded, turbulence-detecting Doppler weather radar and WAAS GPS as standard equipment.

The durable King Air C90GTx is extremely adaptable. It is capable of operating from remote, unimproved fields as easily as it flows into congested terminal airspace, providing operators with the versatility to utilize airports inaccessible to most jets. The fuel efficiency of the C90GTx contributes to its low operating costs while providing increased performance and greater system redundancy than single-engine turbine competitors.

The C90GTx features a cabin 50 percent larger than most very light jets. In addition to the pilot, it seats up to seven passengers in its famed squared-oval design, allowing greater passenger comfort. It includes an in-flight accessible, heated and pressurized baggage storage area along with a private aft lavatory that is standard on every King Air C90GTx.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special-mission and trainer aircraft -- designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company's headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

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